DESIGN OPTIONS FOR THE RAKUS

Each of the Raku designs offers a range of design options that allow you to configure your boat to suit your personal preferences and budget.

A number of options are provided for in the plans to allow you a certain degree of flexibility in the layout and the way you equip your boat.

Some of these options include:

1. Accommodation layout.

We generally advise that two double cabins be allocated to the cabin area aft of the saloon bulkhead, although some owners choose to locate a bathroom or workshop to this area.

Apart from that option one or two bathrooms can be allocated to the centre of the hull opposite the saloon, and one or more bathrooms can be allocated to the forward area in the hull as
long as there is no berth to be provided for in that area.

A wider berth can provided on the wingdeck forward of the mast bulkhead on one or both sides. If no berth is required here it makes an ideal stowage space with access from the deck.

2. Engines.

You can choose between an electric drive system or a conventional diesel engine, either with a sail drive leg or shaft drive. Sail drives are generally preferred for ease of installation.

3. Rig

Choose between aluminium mast and boom (either rotating or non rotating) and a carbon rig, (either rotating wing section or conventional oval mast section), rotating or non rotating. A
carbon rig will be lighter and provide better performance but is more expensive.

4. Steering System

Choose between hydraulic steering, a mechanical drive system, or a flexible line system with pulleys. The choice depends largely on where you locate the helm station and your priorities regarding
weight, cost, and simplicity of installation. Hydraulic steering is the default choice for many cruising boats with cable or mechanical being preferred for a more direct and more responsive feel
to the helm.

5. Keels and Daggers.

Daggerboards provide the ultimate in performance, especially for upwind performance in light air. They also provide faster tacking. Fixed keels are preferred for fuss free cruising and provide
protection for the sail drive leg and propellors.

6. Helm Station

The location of the helm is a matter of personal choice. There is better visibility from the helm if it's on the saloon bulkhead, but having it aft allows for more seating space in the cockpit
and prides direct access to the mainsheet and traveller controls.

7. The Foredeck

Choose between a fixed longeron/forebeam configuration for the code zero and gennaker, or a conventional catwalk and forebeam configuration with option of a removable bow pole for the zero and
gennaker. The longeron and forebeam are built from carbon.